Stefanos says "WEll lets get back IC and play out this faerie thing..." Mikelle says "Yes, have we decided to go and do their tests?" Lucias says "Well, we WERE discussing it (kinda) shall we get back to it?" Viola says "OOC, i can't aimaigne what sorts of perations we can do othe htan the reserach lareyd done--except maybe to turn eveyroen's weapons into bronze before going in" Stefanos says "why bronze, Viola?" Stefanos says "I thought iron was the bane of faeries?" Lucias grins Viola nods Stefanos says "then why bronze?" Viola says "Iron is icky." Viola says "Well what else then?" Stefanos says "I'll stick with my steel blade. Will that do any good?" Mikelle says "It depneds on your objectives. I think it's a good idea." Viola frowns at Stefanos. Viola says "Steel?! Steel--iron...same thign" Lucias ex Bonisagus says "Now, sorry to interrupt - but I'm confused" Stefanos says "Are just we going in or should we take some of the grogs? Nantos is pretty handy with a blade" Ulrich says "OK, tell me when you actually decide to move." Mikelle says "We just know what Viola's told us....." Edward has arrived. Stefanos says "my question stands: What do you think Viola? Just magi or should we bring some of the grogs?" Viola thinks. "Well, I think grogs" Nantos has arrived. Stefanos dropped Nantos. Viola says "And maybe...well..who is he, that knight person?" Sir Richard has arrived. Stefanos dropped Sir Richard. Mikelle says "Well, since a fight seems likely, mine will guard me." Nararn has arrived. Mikelle dropped Nararn. Stefanos says "welcome Sir Richard. We may be in for a fight. Are you up to it?" Miklos has arrived. Mikelle dropped Miklos. Sir Richard says "verily m'" Viola says "um...weapons..." Sir Richard says "of course m'lord" Viola says "armor too..i need.." Sir Richard says "I have my own weapons and armour" Viola says "yes but iron?" Viola says "I need to make bronze" Sir Richard draws and displays a fine steel sword Lucias ex Bonisagus says "Really? For why?" Mikelle says "What is the rpoblem with iron. It will dissuade the faeries from attempting anything unwise" Viola clicks her fingers and casts a spell on Richar' Viola says "er his sword" Viola frowns at Mikelle Mikelle smiles Stefanos says "OOC: what exactly happens?" Ulrich says "It changes color. Bronze, you'd say." Sir Richard stares wide-eyed at his sword and seems to struggle with himself to keep a hold of it. Lucias ex Bonisagus says "Very nice." Sir Richard touches the blade as if he expects the colour to come off on his finger Stefanos smiles at the crusader's reaction Viola smiles. Viola says "Who next?" Stefanos says "do Sir Richard's armour too" Lucias ex Bonisagus says "I still object to this enterprise." Stefanos says "Lucias, you may choose not to come. No one will think less of you." Lucias says "Yeah, mine was, what - level 2?" Lucias says "I undersyand that comment not." Viola glances at Richard's armor and mumbles. Lucias ex Bonisagus says "WHat is being talked about? I don't beleive that you mean that" Mikelle says "OOC:Is Viola touching the armour/within reach range?" Stefanos says "ooc: why does trhat matter?>" Ulrich says "She does not touch it, but she's close. Anyway the armour changes colour too." Mikelle says "ooc: cos I'm SCARED. That was a 4th mag spont." Stefanos says "not for faerie magic" The gods of magic frown, and faerie magic disappears from the canon - along with arcadia. Or so the world hopes.... Mikelle says "I still do not see why this is necessary." Lucias says "You coujld at least have pretended to get a bit tired after the second one...." Viola smile in a very unlawayerlike fashion. Viola looks at Mikelle. "I don't like iron." Mikelle says "What is the problem with good cold iron?" Mikelle says "I do>" Lucias ex Bonisagus says "fair e nough" Viola says "Well.um...so next time when you lead us to faeries..then you way, okay?" Mikelle says "What do you mean?" Viola says "you know faeries?" Mikelle says "No" Viola says "OK." Stefanos says "What about them?" Mikelle says "That's why I'm asking you why this is necessary" Lucias says "AAAAaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhhhhh!!!" Viola says "faeries...don't like iron" Lucias ex Bonisagus says "Right...." Mikelle says "and how friendly were we planning to be?" Stefanos lol Viola says "well...we're..um..see? negotiating?" Stefanos says "a concept totally alien to you Mikelle!" Mikelle says "So we talk. We do not throw our weapons down and walk in unarmed." Viola says "so if they like us, good" Lucias ex Bonisagus averts his eyes, anticipating the 'position of strength' argument Mikelle says "And Stefanos, at least I do not negotiate my way ionto a fight I do not want." Ulrich leans back and follows the discussion with some amusement. Mikelle says "You think having bronze weapons will help our negotiation?" Stefanos says "the position of strength won't work here. We are asking for something we can't get otherwise" Stefanos says "At least it won't be provocative" Mikelle says "So we are not negotiating, we are requesting. there is a difference, which I understand." Stefanos says "Viola, can you reverse this spell at a moment's notice?" Mikelle says "Give her your weapons." Viola giggles. "Reverse?" Lucias ex Bonisagus says "Wh ydon't you invite them to visit us. Then we could get around this sickeningly pointless discussion" Stefanos says "yes... reverse, why is that funny?" Lucias ex Bonisagus says "And if we can't then at least we can have some kind of dialog." Viola says "um..if there trouble then..." Nararn holds out his sword Miklos holds out his sword Stefanos holds out his sword Nantos holds out his sword Viola makes some gestures and casts another spell...an iron dart forms at her feet and slams into teh council chamber's far wall... Viola says "So if there's trouble..umm...that, see?" Mikelle says "Do faeries like fire and lightening?" Viola turns to the swords and starts changing them to bronze. Stefanos says "well it seems you have everything covered..." Viola smiles. "Some faeries." Stefanos says "shall we go?" Mikelle says "These faeries?" Lucias ex Bonisagus says "Please do" Mikelle says "Yes, lets" Stefanos says "will Me spells work on Faeries? " Viola shrugs. Ulrich says "The swords turn into bronze, one by one as Viola touches them." Stefanos says "we go" Viola ponders. Stefanos says "afternoon, evening, morning... whatever time it is" Viola says "Morning" Viola says "Sunrise" Stefanos says "OK... dawn" Lucias ex Bonisagus says "Right asway. Please?" We go Stefanos says "lets just go!" say Lucias, are you going with them? Ulrich says "Lucias, are you going with them?" Viola leads the way. Lucias ex Bonisagus says "Not on your life - I don't know which would get to me first - them, or the faeries" Viola says "please?" Stefanos follows Viola Lucias ex Bonisagus says "Sorry, where was that 'please' direted?" Viola says "er..you?" Stefanos says "OOC: guys I really want to play this but I can't stay much longer. Can we get on with this?" Ulrich says "OK - once you DO go, Viola leads you, accompanied by Edward, to the vineyard. She concentrates for a moment but then leads you along a path that curves through the vineplants. After a few minutes of walking you get the impression the plants move out of your way, though you don't see them moving." Lucias ex Bonisagus says "Really, I would rather not venture to meet them - my carefully considered opinion is that I would rather torch the lot of you, and destroy the entire internet than stay awake another ten minutes. Drat, need an IC reason..." Sir Richard looks freaked out Viola giggles OOC Lucias ex Bonisagus says "Bye guys, neeed sleeep...." Lucias ex Bonisagus has left. Lucias has disconnected. Lucias goes home. Lucias has left. Stefanos says "OOC: sweet Dream Lucias" Mikelle says "Sleep is for wimps" Stefanos says "OOC: he's your friend Tristan, you know him best :)" Ulrich says "You enterd the vineyard from the southeast and seem to head for the center." Ulrich says "You get the strange impression, that the vineyard is bigger then it should be in the mundane world." Stefanos nods... fair enough Stefanos says "faerie regio, Viola" Ulrich says "So, Viola, where do you lead them? Do you remember, what I told you of your books/knowledge?" Viola shakes her head. Viola says "OOC what are you referring to?" Ulrich says "The circles and the seasons." Viola hmmms Stefanos says "hum all you want, just take us somewhere that is not hewre!" Viola shushes Stefanos. Viola picks her way along a patch towards teh east. Ulrich says "Again the plants seem to make way for you. You head east for about 10 minutes." Ssssssssst. Ulrich says "Something seems to move from the right side of the path to the left side. It moved _fast_" Nararn says "What was it?" Viola looks curiously. Ulrich says "Well, something small with four legs and about the shape of a ball." Viola smiles. Ulrich says "Again this figure speeds across the path. Then you hear a loud BUMP and someone curses." Stefanos says "Who curses and what do they say?" Sir Richard draws his sword Viola stops. Ulrich says "A high pitched voice in the direction the small figure ran. You don't recognize the words, but it sound very displeased." Viola shrugs and walks on. Ulrich says "Half a minute later the strange shape crosses the path again. Still at high speed." Viola nods Ulrich says "Well, you move on?" Stefanos says "let me get this straight: a ball with four legs is running across our path and bumps into something that is, in all probablility watching us and we just move on?" Viola nods Mikelle says "What can we do about it. Since we're here to negotiate we should expect to be watched, yes?" Stefanos motions Sir Richard and Nantos to check out where the shout came from Viola watches the two carefully. Ulrich says "Something bumps into Sir Richards leg and curses." Mikelle watches, ready to act Stefanos says "expecting something doesn't mean we have to like it" Sir Richard looks at what bumped into his leg Viola laughs softly. Stefanos glares at Viola Ulrich says "Well, it's this ball shaped errr.... imp? .... with four legs. It looks up at Sir Richard, looks confused and then says: Ooops... Sorry... But where did this leg come from?" Viola giggles. Ulrich says "Before you get to aswer, it jumps up, waves and speeds away." Sir Richard bends over and picks up the 4-legged ball holding it up to his face to examine it (OOC: hey, no one said he was smart Ulrich says "To slow. :)" Viola laughs. Viola starts moving again. Sir Richard remains bent over, astounded by the creature's speed Ulrich says "Only few seconds later you hear the thing's curses from somewhere to the south." Sir Richard and Nantos move back to the group. He shrugs at Stefanos Ulrich says "Well, you follow Viola I guess. Only two minutes (and a handful of curses from the distance) later you come to a big circle of toadstools." Viola says "There!" Viola looks around. Nantos wanders closer to one of the toadstool and is about to break off a piece when Stefanos shouts :"No Nantos" in greek Mikelle says "weell, what do we do now?" Stefanos says "well Viola?" Viola walks into the center of the circle Ulrich says "Viola steps in and instantly vanishes from your sight." Stefanos runs to the spot where Viola disappeared Mikelle follows, accompanied by her grogs Ulrich says "One by one everyone who steps in disappears from the sight of the remaining people." Ulrich says "So who remains outside?" Edward follows Viola immediately. Ulrich says "No answer? OK, everybody is in. :)" Nantos is terrified by seeing everyone disappearing and does not follow Sir Richard follows Mikelle says "What about s-Rcih and Nanrtos - I don;t see them happily going in" Ulrich says "Well, Nantos stays out there alone?" Sir Richard follows albeit reluctantly Stefanos says "does everyone but him go?" Ulrich says "It's a frigtening place if you're alone out there, Nantos..." Nantos screams in frustration and plunges headlong Ulrich says "One thing you notice first is: It's incredebly COLD." Sir Richard pulls his cloak closer around his armour but it doesn't help Mikelle says "IS it actually so cold we are likely to be hurt by it?" Ulrich says "Ops, you write it with f instead of ph.. Sorry. :)" Viola says "OOC, which grogs did you bring mikelle?" Ulrich says "Well, Once your eyes get used to the bright light, you notice you are standing knee-deep in snow." Stefanos says "So that's why we were cold!" Stefanos says "lets get moving. Which way Viola?" Viola is looking around again. Mikelle says "Nararn and Miklos." Viola hmmms. "Not very spring." Ulrich says "Next to you is the only snow-free place: A circle of toadstools." Mikelle says "Weel, do we go into this one as well?" Viola examines the circle. Stefanos says "Viola, will that circle take us back to the one we just came from?" Ulrich says "Now you realise where you are: It is the same valley the Cov-to-be is. It's only full of snow." Stefanos blinks! Viola says "OOC anythign interesting around?" Sir Richard says "what fell sorcery is this?" Ulrich says "You are on the mountain slopes and have a good view. " Nantos edges closer to Stefanos, the terror evident on his face! Mikelle says "OF WHAT?"" Viola says "OOC is the covenant there?" Ulrich says "Well, besides the snow and the circle there is another circle - but a circle of stones on the next hill. Something seems to move there." Viola heads that way immediately. Ulrich says "No, no Cov. Not even the buildings." Stefanos says "does anyone think that this could be the first test? the winter circle test?" Viola says "it's past..." Ulrich says "It's _really_ cold. I'd say about -20 degrees Celsius." Stefanos says "lets get moving... otherwise we'll freeze out here!" Mikelle says "In that case, sponted creo ignem, target group..." Stefanos says "I wouldn't! We don't know the powers of this place..." Mikelle says "Just to warm us up." Viola turns and looks at Mikelle. Mikelle says "I'd rather find out if magic works or not now. keep your parma up if you donlt want to be affected." Mikelle casts the spell Ulrich says "Mikelle chants and gestures something, and produces a short warm blow thats almost immediatly gone." Stefanos says "It could blow us to smitherines..." Viola says "maybe it works too well?" Ulrich says "After that you feel the cold even harder." Stefanos says "maybe we should work on something else" Viola laughs. Viola keeps walking Stefanos says "Lets just move for now" Ulrich says "Viola steps ahead to that other hill?" Stefanos follows Viola Viola nods. With the circle? Stefanos' teeth are chattering at this point Ulrich says "OK, it takes some time and I'd like to see a Stm roll from everyone." Mikelle says "11 for Mikelle, 7 for Nararn , 10 for Miklos." Mikelle says "I can roll the online die insttedd but it would just get confusing.." Ulrich says "I trust you there. Anyone who does not make a 4+?" Ulrich says "Well, anyone who did not make the 4+ will loose a body level because of the cold. I said it's _very_ cold." Viola says "Let's hurry" Ulrich says "Fingers and feet turn blue and all that." Nantos inches even closer to Stefanos and shivers violently Mikelle says "OK, Cr Co on myself to increase my fortitude against cold. I'm not freezing my toes off!" Viola touches Nantos and says a few magic words. Ulrich says "Well, you reach the hilltop. There is a circle of 12 tall stones and no snow within. Three women stand in the middle of that circle and greet all of you in a friendly way. The seem to feel cold to and are cloaked withing lots of fur." Stefanos says "Viola... it's all you!" Ulrich says "Nantos boots grow a thick fur. Nantos feels a lot better now." Viola says "Hello" Nantos looks at Viola adoringly! Viola smiles. Ulrich says "Mikelles boots suddenly are a bit more tight then they used to be, but her feet are warm enough now." Ulrich says "One of the ladies in the circle gestures you to come into the snowless circle." Mikelle says "Hang on- who was that?" Stefanos moves cautiously into the circle Mikelle goes into the circle Nantos and Sir Richard follow him Viola walks forward. Mikelle shrugs Ulrich says "Mikelle, didn't you say you'd CrCo something against freezing of your feet?" Mikelle says "Iowuldn;t expect it to make my boots tighter - never mind, I guess I'm just tired" Stefanos says "OOC: new nickname: Mikelle bigfoot!" Ulrich says "It's a bit warmer inside the circle but still way below zero." Stefanos says "greetings, ladies... we are travelers from another realm... where are we?" Ulrich says "As I said there are three women inside the circle: One is obviously a fairy with butterfly wings. The other two seem to be humans." Stefanos whispers "do they answer me at all?" Ulrich says "One of the human ladies adresses Stephanos: You ask the wrong question: when are you? You are in the deepes winter this land has ever seen." Viola says "Why?" Stefanos says "What is the purpose that we are here then?" Stefanos says "Or rather why are we now?" Ulrich says "The lady says: But may I introduce us first: My name is Athena, this is my sister Mercura and the beautyful fairy here is called Wellgunde." Viola smiles. Stefanos says "well met ladies!" Stefanos bows low Athena says: Well, I can not answer all these questions. But I can tell you what happend to this valley. Ulrich says "All of the ladies curtsey in return." Viola says "What?" Stefanos says "yes what?" Athena says: As you might have guessed the winter is nothing like it should be. It's late spring after all. We have this problem that a snow giant came here and seemed to like this place - he came in winter but he stayed. Viola says "Interesting" Viola says "Um.can...we..well can we help?" Athena says: We allready managed to banish the giant back to the realms it came from, but his smaller son, is still here and we don't have the strength to hunt him down. Viola hmms. "Why?" Stefanos says "I presume that this is our Winter circle test?" to Viola... "hunt down the giant?" Athena says: Well, sending the giant himself away was hard work. Viola says "Oh..." Viola says "well where?" Viola nods vaguely at Stefanos and shrugs. Stefanos says "Do you know where the son is?" Athena says: We could still cast the spell to send the son away too, but he's have to be inside this circle. Stefanos says "So you want us to find this creature and bring him here?" Wellgunde (the fairy) gestures to a small forrest at the other side of the valley and says in a singing tone: I can sense him over there. He's asleep. Athena looks at Stephanos and says: That would be a wonderful help, Sir. Mikelle says "why should we?" Viola trudges off toward the forest. Stefanos says "I hate to ask this but... what's in it for us?" Mikelle raises an eyebrow Viola looks back over her shoulder, "Why not?" Stefanos motions for Sir Richard and Nantos to accompany Viola Mikelle says "Well, I ahve no reason to hate this giant." Athena says: Well, I'm really sorry, Sir, we don't have much to give... Well, maybe this would do? Stefanos says "what is it?" Viola pauses and looks back. She opens her hands and reveals two small stones. Stefanos sponts an InVi on the stones Ulrich says "Vis, obviously." Viola smiles. Mikelle says "What form tech is she using?" Ulrich says "Violas clothes grow a thick fur." Mikelle says "Ah.. I see" Ulrich says "Anyone else?" Stefanos casts a ReCo so that he is better able to withstand the cold Mikelle says "HAH MUHE 's not my stong point, and the CrIg doesn;tappear to work (2-3rd mag should ahve been easily suuficient)" Viola says "Mikelle..do um..can I help?" Mikelle says "I'm fine" Mikelle says "Naranr and Miklos could probably do with some help though." Viola casts spells on their clothes. Ulrich says "Those clothes grow fur too." Nantos looks at Viola imploringly Viola does it to Nantos too. Mikelle says "" Ulrich says "Stephanos casts something on himself, Re Co it seems. It does not show any effect - besides a slightly satisfied smile on his face." Stefanos says "If everyone is ready, we can go on..." Ulrich says "You approach the forrest, but you don't see any giant." Ulrich says "So, at least he is not taller then the trees..." Stefanos says "if he's asleep he will be lying down!" Ulrich says "Sure... He could still be taller the a tree - lying... :)" Ulrich says "OK, what do you plan to do now?" Stefanos enters the forest and starts looking for tracks in the snow Viola looks around. Any sign of hte giant? Mikelle says "We can either threathen it, try and catch it, or try and killit, or just talk to it." Mikelle says "I say we do the last, then run through the others in order." Viola nods Stefanos says "or drag it to the circle kicking and screaming" Mikelle says "Well, I'm not sure how you were planning to drag a giatn , yunless it had eben subdued first." Ulrich says "Well, there are a few trees that are obvoiusly brocken in two." Viola walks toward them. Ulrich says "HUGE trees by the way..." Mikelle follow Ulrich says "But there are no tracks in the snow." Stefanos says "when we find the giant, allow me to try something first, before everyone else jumps into the fray" Viola looks at Stefanos dubiously. Viola says "Scream him to death?" Stefanos says "just this once... trust me Viola" Viola says "What?" Stefanos says "I have a plan that could get him to the circle with very little trouble" Ulrich says "Well, there seems to be a path through the trees. Four meters wide, and formed by brocken trees." Stefanos says "come" Mikelle says "Let Stefanos try his mentem magics. I doubt they'll work, but they'll leve him looking into an annoyed giant's eyes..." Viola sighs. Viola walks toward the broken trees. Stefanos says "we shall see Mikelle... be ready to come to my aid if it decides I look like lunch" Mikelle says "If you survive it'll make you stronger, I can see why you want the oppurtunity." Viola takes the path. Mikelle follows Ulrich says "Only: The path stops after 200 meters. No more signs, no more brocken trees, no giant." Stefanos follows the path ahead of Viola Viola looks around...and up. Nararn looks back and up at the trees Stefanos says "Did it fly away?" Ulrich says "Well... cloudy sky above." Viola begins to cast a formulaic spell Stefanos watches viola closely Viola moves close to the biggest tree in the area and casts Converse with Plants and Trees. Mikelle watches the surrounding trees closely, being somewhat more practical :) Ulrich says "role for it. :)" Viola rolls the die, which comes up a 9. ...Viola needs some time to talk with the tree...The other watch more or less patiently... Stefanos says "Well Viola? What do the trees tell you" Viola strokes the tree gently, ignoring Stefanos. Viola stands away from the tre and starts back down the path from the direction we came. Mikelle says "well. It leeft the only possible way it could?" Mikelle follws Viola says "this way..." Viola heads toward a particular tree. Mikelle says "It's a tree" Viola nods. Viola says "OOC anyting interesting about it when I get tehre?" Ulrich says "No" Stefanos says "what did the tree tell you Viola?" Viola says "this tree..here" Stefanos says "What about it?" Viola says "it's the one" Stefanos says "Is the tree the giant?" Viola shakes her head. Stefanos says "can this tree tell you where the giant is?" Viola shrugs. Viola approaches this tree and makes gestures to cast the spell again. Viola rolls the die, which comes up a 5. ...again some time passes... Viola strokes the tree gently. Stefanos says "I would think it would be like tracking.... a giant through snow!" Viola says "OK. West." Stefanos says "...west?" Viola trudges off...stones.... Stefanos says "Which way is west?" Viola appears hurried now. Viola points. Stefanos says "OK... fine!" Mikelle follows Ulrich says "Along the border of the forest." Stefanos follows Stefanos says "remember allow me to accost the creature first" Mikelle says "We're following Viola like sheep." Ulrich says "Well, you reach a clearing very close to the border of the forrest. There are a few broken trees here to. And some HUGE stones" Stefanos says "any tracks?" Ulrich says "Nope. No tracks." Viola walks toward the clearing Ulrich says "You enter the clearing and with every single step it gets a _LOT_ colder." Stefanos walks to the clearing Nararn stays at the edge and loads his crossbow Ulrich says "The floor starts shaking." Mikelle and Miklos hgead in Stefanos starts moving faster Viola lets Stefanos pass. Ulrich says "The floor moves up." Stefanos motions for the others to stop as he heads towards the clearing Mikelle stops Stefanos says "that's why no tracks! it is snow!" Ulrich says "Two of the bigger stones rise to the sky. They look like fists." Stefanos readies himself to move if they try to hit him Viola sighs. "Oh my." Viola stands and looks up at the giant. Stefanos says "How large is it?" Ulrich says "Well, it does not stand yet, but his fists are about 50cm wide." Stefanos says "where is it's head?" Ulrich says "A ball of snow, about a meter wide, lifts from the rest of the snow and opens one glowing red eye." Ulrich says "That should answer it. :)" Stefanos looks into the eye that opened and smiles "hello Ulrich says "Something like a enourmous GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR sounds from below." Viola says "He talks like you, Stefanos." Stefanos says "shut up viola" without taking his eyes from the giant" Ulrich says "The snowball opens to a huge grin. You are not sure if it is friendly though..." Stefanos says "Are comfortable here in this land? I know this place where you can be much more comfortable..." Ulrich says "It might be hungry..." Stefanos says "OOC: I am painfully aware of that!" Ulrich says "A booooooooming voice says COLD?" Stefanos says "If you think this is cold, then you are wrong... The place I speak of is much colder than this" Ulrich says "The grin gets wider." Stefanos removes his cloak as if he is warm Ulrich says "On of the fists tries to get hold of Stefanos." Stefanos says "why don't you come with me and I'll show you where it is" Stefanos allows the creature to grasp him Go on, munchies! Stefanos says "OOC: that is probably the biggest mistake he's ever made" Ulrich says "You know King kong? :) He gets you and holds you _very_ close to his single eye." Stefanos stares deeply into the eye, trying to get a firmer grasp of the giant's mind Ulrich says "Well, he stands up. He's not as tall as the size of his fists suggest, but it still about 10 meters tall." Stefanos says "we must go that way" and points to the stone circle or that direction" Viola says "Tall" Ulrich says "A giant tounge is licking the snowy lips...." Stefanos says "Is he moving at all?" Mikelle says "Cliffhanger!" Viola giggles OOC Stefanos says "Put me down that I may show you the way?" Mikelle says "Does the giant eat Stefanos, can our heroes escape winterland, Is Lucias utterly insane? Find out in the next epoisode of..." Viola says "OOC there was some doubt about Lucias?" Mikelle says "OOC good point." Stefanos says "Ulrich, the suspence is killing me!@" Ulrich says "Well, it looks down - and then grabs for ...roll dice... Miklos." Nararnshoots at it Miklos dodges Stefanos says "leave him... there is much food where we are going" Mikelle says "NArarn rolls a 16 to hit, aiming for the eye." Viola shoots a withering look at Nararn. Mikelle says "OOC- those two are very protective of each other..." Stefanos says "NOOOO! Leave him be!" Ulrich says "The bolt hits the fist and drops down with a pling. Miklos jumps to the side and the giant grabs a handful of snow. It looks disappointed." Nararn reloads Ulrich says "A boooooooooooming voice says: WHERE?" Mikelle gets ready, though she'd rather not fight this thing... Stefanos says more forcefully "leave them be! Go to the stone circle The giant steps ahead, not looking where his feet stomp. Viola jumps to the side in last second. Viola follows. Stefanos says "is it going in the right direction?" Mikelle , Miklos and Nararn stay close. If the giant tries anything..... Ulrich says "Yes it is. By the way, its pretty warm in his hands." Stefanos says "OOC: at least I don't have to worry about frostbite!" Ulrich says "as for the rest: It's damn cold near him and you have to hurry to follow him. And he leaves no traces." Mikelle says "OOC Jsut frosty bite" Ulrich says "He stomps ahead to the circle and comes near now." Stefanos says to Sir Richard: run to the circle and tell the women to prepare Stefanos says "as soon as he enters the circle, I instruct him to put me down" Ulrich says "Sir Richard tries his best, but the giant is faster. Anyway the giant is tall enough and makes enough noise for the women to notice." Ulrich says "As soon as the giant reaches the circle you hear three chanting voices." Viola looks concerned. How close is she to the giant? Stefanos says "you may put me down... these women will send you to the COLD place!" Ulrich says "The giant cries: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO and tries to crush you." Mikelle says "ARE we in spell range?" Ulrich says "Well... FAR range." Stefanos says "Spont a CrMe to stop him" Nararn shoots, Mikelle runs closer. Viola begins to cast a spontaneous spell Stefanos says "At least we got him into the circle!" Stefanos says "that was OOC" Mikelle says "Yeah, I get the feeling Stef is a little busy right now" Nararn's shot hits and bounces Stefanos says "OOC: Just a bit :)" Miklos stays with Mikelle Viola makes liberal use of booming voice and vigorous gestures. Sir Richard strikes at the foot of the creature as does Nantos with their bronze swords Mikelle knows that without horrendous broken faerie magic(TM) she can't hurt thatthing with a spont, and is tryign to get closer. Ulrich says "OK... A lot of things happen simultaneously: The giant crushes Stefanos but vanishes to nothing having done 1 Body Level of damage. An arrow passes Stefanos while he falls down. He hits the floor naked, drenched in olive oil." Ulrich says "And three ladies in the circle drop down unconscious." Viola giggles. Stefanos says "OOC:OLIVE OIL???" Mikelle says "Interesting" Mikelle looks stefanos up and down Sir Richard puts his cloak over stefanos Mikelle says "I'm presuming you planned that. I'm just wondering why the olive oil?" Ulrich says "Oh, and something else: It gets warm. Very warm." Stefanos says "OOC: I think that's going to be my sigil: every time I cast a spell, I become naked and drenched in olive oil :)" Viola says "Slippery" Stefanos says "would someone please hand me a towel!" Viola breaks concentratin and lets the spell end, returning hte clothes to their natural state. Mikelle says "ERrr- a glued otgether mass of clothing..." Stefanos says "quick thinking viola... I guess I should thank you and these women for my life" Ulrich says "Stefanos looks wet, Sir Richard looks concerned, Viola looks tired, Mikelle looks at Stefanos and the rest look confused." Viola smiles. Stefanos shakes his head to get the excess oil out of his hair and goes over to examine the womes Viola goes too. Ulrich says "Well, the clothes are in a non useable condition. :)" Stefanos says "Fine, I have Sir Richard's cloak" Mikelle says "WEll, it's nice to know Stefanos' parma magica isn't worth anything." Mikelle says "" Viola says "Practice I guess" Stefanos glares at Mikelle but says nothing Ulrich says "Well... Lucky him in this case... :)" Viola says "OOC How are the women?" Ulrich says "The women come back to their senses. Viola and Stefanos make some rituals gestures...." MikelleLooks at them, smiling... Stefanos says to the women "are you feeling OK? Ulrich says "Athena opens her eyes and asks: Did we make it?" Stefanos says "you did it..." Stefanos says "The giant is no more" Ulrich says "Wellgunde opens her eyes and says: It's warm!" Stefanos says "thanks to you" Ulrich says "Well, to cut this a bit: They thank you a lot, give you some spiced wine, if you want that and also give Stefanos those two stones he was promised." Viola says "is it good wine?" Mikelle says "The grogs drink the wine. Mikelee absttains." Viola tries it. Ulrich says "While all this happens the valley converts to a real spring valley." Ulrich says "Well, it taste a bit sour." Ulrich says "But it's better then nothing after that cold." Viola nods. Edward has some too. Stefanos says "lets get back to the covenant. I need to clean up and get some rest. I think that creature broke a couple of my ribs" Ulrich says "So who does NOT drink any?" Sir Richard does not drink any Mikelle says "Mikelle" Stefanos has some Viola says "Hm...talk to the faeries...not home yet" thud Stefanos says "Thus???" Ulrich says "Ok, just for the statistics: It heals one body level includeing broken ribs within the next hour." Viola smiles. Stefanos says "hang on to that stuff... that's good stuff!" Viola says "OOC I don't suppose it does anything for fatigue?" Ulrich says "Well, Wellgunde is incredebly tired and would like to sleep for a few months." Ulrich says "Nope, it does nothing for that..." Viola says "Rest...let's now.." Stefanos says "You want to stay here Viola?" Ulrich says "Well, it seem save to rest here..." Mikelle says "Let's go home." Ulrich says "At least, if you like to sleep under the sky in a string fairie regio...." Viola lies down to rest a few minutes. Stefanos says "The question is *can* we go home?" Mikelle says "Either we go home or some faeries get very very unhappy." Ulrich says "string -> strong (to much JAVA...)" Stefanos says "Or will passing through the portal simply take ua to the next test!" Viola hehs Viola looks thoughtful. Viola says "So rest." Ulrich says "Well, Stefanos, you will not find out, until you try..." Stefanos lies down to rest for a few minutes Stefanos says "time passes" Stefanos says "Can we go home now?" Stefanos says "Good" Mikelle says "so, let me get this striaght. There isone circle, which migth be a way out, but there might be more tests, biut we donlt know because Viola has all the communication of a anorexic tortoise." Mikelle says "So I ask one of the Faeries- Will this circle take me home?"" Ulrich says "Well, after resting you go back to the circle (the three ladies are still asleep) and find an imp sitting in it." Stefanos says "scoot! Go on!" Viola says "OOC which circle, the one wit hte ladies or the first one we saw?" Stefanos says "The first one" Ulrich says "Well, I think Mikelle will ask him and his answer is: That's for me to know and for you to find out." Ulrich says "The toadstool circle." Mikelle says "Have you heard of common courtesy, imp?" Viola laughs. Stefanos says "OOC:why are they being rude? We just saved their world" Viola stands in the middle of the circle. Stefanos wearily follows her Ulrich says "Viola vanishes." Mikelle wants to annoy the imp... Ulrich says "So does Stefanos." Stefanos makes it's fur glow green Ulrich says "Well, how about the rest?" Edward quickly follows Viola. ...and vanishes. Mikelle says "Is the imp saying anything, sitting there?, running off cackling madly?" Ulrich says "No, he just watches you." Mikelle says "So he doesn't answer my question" Ulrich says "Maybe you could repeat the question? I (RL) did not understand the meaning. :)" Mikelle says "OK I'll think of another one" Mikelle says "I think you're lying. I don;t think you know whats onthe other side of the circle." Ulrich says "The imp grins at Mikelle and shrugs." Sir Richard and Nantos follow Stefanos Mikelle says "I bet you sit here and wind up any passing travellers, yes? You enjoy it. You like watching them squirm and worry, yes? You like the fear as they wonder what is on the other side, even though it may well be quite safew. In fact it would be funnier that way" Mikelle says "But you see, let me tell you a secrert. Do you like secrets?" Ulrich says "The imp starts giggling now. He says: worrying travellers you say? OK, how about this: are you SURE you passed this test?" Ulrich says "He adds: Sure, tell me your secret. :) Its save with me..." ...though I don't know if it's safe with those I tell it... Mikelle says "Well, the secret is, I don;t care, because I'm not really very sane, and when I get tired and annoyed and I want oto go home, I tend to BLOW THINGS UP. And I'm just wondering whether I should go through this gate or let off my frustrations first. And it is just sooo tempting not to bother trying to keep control." Mikelle says "ah well." Mikelle reaches into her clothes and pulls out a bronze coin. She tosses it up into the air Ulrich says "Well... try." Mikelle says "Is the imp reactign to this at all." Ulrich says "He watches the coin" Mikelle says "It comes up tails. Mikelle smiles sweetly, picks the coin up, and walks through the ring." I needed that Ulrich says "Before you step in you see a somewhat confused look at the imps face." Stefanos says "So what happens once we are all ont he other side ofd the portal" Ulrich says "Well, you find yourself in a cave." Stefanos says "OOC: Guys... it's late... Can we cut it hwere and work on this next time?" Viola nods. Stefanos says "Tristan?" Ulrich says "Well, it's almost 3:40am... I need some sleep to." Mikelle says "Yes." Ulrich says "Well, next part next week?" Viola really hopes that imp was lying Stefanos says "Next week sounds fine..." Stefanos says "Same time, same place?" Mikelle says ":)" .... to be continued ....